Thought processes and conversations started under the tilted cap of Tropicana Field. Someday everyone will know the Rays play in St. Petersburg, Florida, not TAMPA, or the fictitious city of TAMPA BAY.

Cardinals’ Great George Kissell Hurt in Tampa Bay Car Accident

Longtime St. Louis Cardinals official George Kissell was in critical condition Tuesday after being injured in a traffic accident.

Kissell’s daughter was driving her parents in a 2002 Chevrolet at about 7:45 p.m. Monday when she apparently ran a red light and was struck by another car, police Capt. Sanfield Forseth said.

The 88-year-old Kissell was in a Tampa hospital Tuesday with life-threatening injuries, police said. His daughter, Karolyn Kidwell, 58, was treated and released.

Kissell’s wife, Virginia, was also in the vehicle, but Forseth had no information on whether she had been hurt. The driver of the second vehicle, 27-year-old Stacy Lehart of St. Petersburg, had minor injuries.

Kissell has been with the Cardinals organization since 1940. He was a major-league coach from 1969 to 1975 and is currently a senior field coordinator for player development.

“We learned late last night of the accident and we’ve reached out to the family,” John Mozeliak, the team’s vice president and general manager, said in a statement. “And at this time our thoughts and prayers are with him during this difficult time.”

Kidwell hasn’t been charged.

This photo was actually taken at the old St Louis Cardinals Spring Training site, which is the Tampa Bay Rays’ Spring Training site since their inception into the major leagues

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